Photo courtesy: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY(January 17) — The city government on Thursday welcomed 17 ambassadors and chargés d’affaires from the European Union, signaling growing international interest in Cagayan de Oro’s development path and its role in Mindanao.
Mayor Rolando Uy said the high-level visit reflects rising global confidence in the city’s governance and economic direction.
“The presence of EU ambassadors underscores Cagayan de Oro’s role as a vital growth center in Mindanao and opens doors for stronger partnerships in development and governance,” Uy said.
Development, climate, peace
The visit gave EU envoys a closer look at the city’s development initiatives and potential cooperation areas, including climate action, renewable energy, trade, education, and sustainable agriculture.
Among the key discussions was the EU-backed SPADE Project, co-financed by the EU with ₱1.037 billion and supported by the German government with an additional ₱204 million. The project falls under the EU Mindanao Peace and Development Programme, which promotes conflict-sensitive and climate-smart value chains while encouraging investments in Mindanao.
From January 14 to 16, the delegation is also meeting with farmers showcasing climate-smart practices, as neighboring Bukidnon pushes its bid to become the country’s Arabica coffee capital.
Justice and child protection
EU delegates are likewise monitoring progress in the Tri-Justice Zone, launched in 2024 and involving Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz. The initiative focuses on combating Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.
City officials said the visit reinforces Cagayan de Oro’s growing profile as a hub for development, peace-building, and international cooperation in Northern Mindanao.
